NVAA
Explore. Create. Shine.
NVAA Theatre has given me a wonderful community to journey through high school with, and the education and experiences I've gained through this program have introduced me to so many aspects of theatre and set me on the path to continue doing what I love in the future! I would not be anywhere near where I am today without this program, I owe so much to it. - Miller Kass
NVAA at Shadow Mountain High School offers an exceptional arts education for students to immerse themselves in their craft under the guidance of award-winning arts educators.
Students choose their honors track in Dance, Theatre, Music Technology, or Visual Art which moves beyond typical arts classes with increased rigor and unique specializations.
Students who are enrolled in NVAA acquire skills that transfer into the student's everyday life. NVAA continues to build and enhance many of these skills, enabling students to effectively communicate with others verbally as well as through written forms of communication. These students thrive in leadership roles, over seeing and managing projects and more.
Students will develop:
- Critical thinking skills
- The ability to work individually and collaboratively
- Creative problem-solving skills
- Performance and presentation skills
- The ability to work under pressure
- Listening, clarifying, questioning and responding skills
During 12th grade, students participate in the unique Exit Portfolio class which leads to a Capstone Project, the AZ State Seal of Arts Proficiency Seal, and the NVAA Diploma Seal while building a portfolio of artistic work.
These students receive an honors arts endorsement on their high school diploma.
NVAA offers field trips to museums, studios, and businesses around the community to introduce students to the vast and exciting careers available in all art fields.
An opportunity to meet professional artists in all fields, is offered as well. These guests share their skills and experiences in their area of expertise while working with students in the classroom.
NVAA provides opportunities through partnerships with professional guest artists, Scottsdale Arts, and Maricopa Community College District for all disciplines. The collaboration with PVCC includes exciting projects, including exhilarating rock concerts at both the PVCC and SMHS campuses, and after school dance classes, all while earning college credit.